Potential Artifacts and Control Experiments in Toxicity Tests of Nanoplastic and Microplastic Particles.
To fully understand the potential ecological and human health risks from nanoplastics and microplastics (NMPs) in the environment, it is critical to make accurate measurements. Similar to past research on the toxicology of engineered nanomaterials, a broad range of measurement artifacts and biases are possible when testing their potential toxicity. For example, antimicrobials and surfactants may be present in commercially available NMP dispersions, and these compounds may account for toxicity observed instead of being caused by exposure to the NMP particles. Therefore, control measurements are needed to assess potential artifacts, and revisions to the protocol may be needed to eliminate or reduce the artifacts. In this paper, we comprehensively review and suggest a next generation of control experiments to identify measurement artifacts and biases that can occur while performing NMP toxicity experiments. This review covers the broad range of potential NMP toxicological experiments, such as in vitro studies with a single cell type or complex 3-D tissue constructs, in vivo mammalian studies, and ecotoxicity experiments testing pelagic, sediment, and soil organisms. Incorporation of these control experiments can reduce the likelihood of false positive and false negative results and more accurately elucidate the potential ecological and human health risks of NMPs.


A comparison of pneumonia caused by gentamicin, methicillin-resistant and gentamicin, methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus: epidemiologic and clinical studies.
We investigated an outbreak of nosocomial pneumonia due to gentamicin, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (GMRSA). We compared the predisposing factors for pneumonia due to GMRSA to those for pneumonia due to gentamicin, methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (GMSSA). Seventeen of 29 patients with staphylococcal pneumonia were infected with GMRSA. Risk factors and associated diseases which selected for infection with GMRSA as opposed to GMSSA included prior antibiotic therapy for a prolonged period of time (p = 0.0001), number of risk factors per patient (p = 0.0001), days hospitalized prior to diagnosis of pneumonia (p = 0.002) and number of associated diseases per patient (p = 0.002). Despite the epidemiologic differences between GMSSA and GMRSA pneumonia, there were no differences in the clinical presentation, course of illness, complications, response to appropriate therapy or outcome between the two groups. Survival was adversely affected by age only among the GMSSA patients (p = 0.02) and by the number of associated diseases (p = 0.005).


Association between Preseason/Regular Season Head Impact Exposure and Concussion Incidence in NCAA Football.
Contact sport athletes are exposed to a unique environment where they sustain repeated head impacts throughout the season and can sustain hundreds of head impacts over a few months. Accordingly, recent studies outlined the role that head impact exposure (HIE) has in concussion biomechanics and in the development of cognitive and brain-based changes. Those studies focused on time-bound effects by quantifying exposure leading up to the concussion, or cognitive changes after a season in which athletes had high HIE. However, HIE may have a more prolonged effect. This study identified associations between HIE and concussion incidence during different periods of the college football fall season. This study included 1120 athlete seasons from six National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I football programs across 5 yr. Athletes were instrumented with the Head Impact Telemetry System to record daily HIE. The analysis quantified associations of preseason/regular season/total season concussion incidence with HIE during those periods. Strong associations were identified between HIE and concussion incidence during different periods of the season. Preseason HIE was associated with preseason and total season concussion incidence, and total season HIE was associated with total season concussion incidence. These findings demonstrate a prolonged effect of HIE on concussion risk, wherein elevated preseason HIE was associated with higher concussion risk both during the preseason and throughout the entire fall season. This investigation is the first to provide evidence supporting the hypothesis of a relationship between elevated HIE during the college football preseason and a sustained decreased tolerance for concussion throughout that season.


A gibberellin methyltransferase modulates the timing of floral transition at the Arabidopsis shoot meristem.
The transition from vegetative to reproductive growth is a key event in the plant life cycle. Plants therefore use a variety of environmental and endogenous signals to determine the optimal time for flowering to ensure reproductive success. These signals are integrated at the shoot apical meristem (SAM), which subsequently undergoes a shift in identity and begins producing flowers rather than leaves, while still maintaining pluripotency and meristematic function. Gibberellic acid (GA), an important hormone associated with cell growth and differentiation, has been shown to promote flowering in many plant species including Arabidopsis thaliana, but the details of how spatial and temporal regulation of GAs in the SAM contribute to floral transition are poorly understood. In this study, we show that the gene GIBBERELLIC ACID METHYLTRANSFERASE 2 (GAMT2), which encodes a GA-inactivating enzyme, is significantly upregulated at the SAM during floral transition and contributes to the regulation of flowering time. Loss of GAMT2 function leads to early flowering, whereas transgenic misexpression of GAMT2 in specific regions around the SAM delays flowering. We also found that GAMT2 expression is independent of the key floral regulator LEAFY but is strongly increased by the application of exogenous GA. Our results indicate that GAMT2 is a repressor of flowering that may act as a buffer of GA levels at the SAM to help prevent premature flowering.


A dichoptic feedback-based oculomotor training method to manipulate interocular alignment.
Strabismus is a prevalent impairment of binocular alignment that is associated with a spectrum of perceptual deficits and social disadvantages. Current treatments for strabismus involve ocular alignment through surgical or optical methods and may include vision therapy exercises. In the present study, we explore the potential of real-time dichoptic visual feedback that may be used to quantify and manipulate interocular alignment. A gaze-contingent ring was presented independently to each eye of 11 normally-sighted observers as they fixated a target dot presented only to their dominant eye. Their task was to center the rings within 2° of the target for at least 1 s, with feedback provided by the sizes of the rings. By offsetting the ring in the non-dominant eye temporally or nasally, this task required convergence or divergence, respectively, of the non-dominant eye. Eight of 11 observers attained 5° asymmetric convergence and 3 of 11 attained 3° asymmetric divergence. The results suggest that real-time gaze-contingent feedback may be used to quantify and transiently simulate strabismus and holds promise as a method to augment existing therapies for oculomotor alignment disorders.


The unstable ankle mortise--functional ankle varus.
A new etiology of lateral ankle instability is described. The concept of triplane motion at the ankle joint differs with previous descriptions of ankle joint movement. Triplane movement about the ankle joint creates varus position during plantarflexion, and must be understood when evaluating ankle instability. Functional ankle varus can be assessed and treated appropriately with proper knowledge of its existence.


Quasinormal mode solvers for resonators with dispersive materials.
Optical resonators are widely used in modern photonics. Their spectral response and temporal dynamics are fundamentally driven by their natural resonances, the so-called quasinormal modes (QNMs), with complex frequencies. For optical resonators made of dispersive materials, the QNM computation requires solving a nonlinear eigenvalue problem. This raises a difficulty that is only scarcely documented in the literature. We review our recent efforts for implementing efficient and accurate QNM solvers for computing and normalizing the QNMs of micro- and nanoresonators made of highly dispersive materials. We benchmark several methods for three geometries, a two-dimensional plasmonic crystal, a two-dimensional metal grating, and a three-dimensional nanopatch antenna on a metal substrate, with the perspective to elaborate standards for the computation of resonance modes.


The characteristics of trimethylamine N-oxide content in different classes of marine animals over the coastal and offshore areas of China.
Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is widely present in marine animals. However, the characteristics of TMAO content in different classes of marine animals are insufficiently understood. In this study, the TMAO content in 79 marine animals (48 species, 7 classes) collected in the coastal and offshore areas of China during year 2019-2022 was analysed. The results showed that the TMAO content of the total samples varied from 0 to 139.19 mmol kg-1. The TMAO content in the classes Bivalvia, Gastropoda, Polychaeta and Holothuroidea varied from 0.06 ± 0.09 to 0.38 ± 0.63 mmol kg-1, but it varied from 30.20 ± 24.20 to 75.90 ± 38.59 mmol kg-1 in the classes Crustacea, Cephalopoda, and Osteichthyes. The TMAO content in the latter 3 classes was 2-3 orders of magnitude higher than that of the former 4 classes. It was inferred that the significant difference was related to the food sources or physiological metabolic mechanisms of different classes.


Short Communication: Heightened HIV Antibody Responses in Postpartum Women as Exemplified by Recent Infection Assays: Implications for Incidence Estimates.
Laboratory assays that identify recent HIV infections are important for assessing impacts of interventions aimed at reducing HIV incidence. Kinetics of HIV humoral responses can vary with inherent assay properties, and between HIV subtypes, populations, and physiological states. They are important in determining mean duration of recent infection (MDRI) for antibody-based assays for detecting recent HIV infections. We determined MDRIs for multi-subtype peptide representing subtypes B, E and D (BED)-capture enzyme immunoassay, limiting antigen (LAg), and Bio-Rad Avidity Incidence (BRAI) assays for 101 seroconverting postpartum women, recruited in Harare from 1997 to 2000 during the Zimbabwe Vitamin A for Mothers and Babies trial, comparing them against published MDRIs estimated from seroconverting cases in the general population. We also compared MDRIs for women who seroconverted either during the first 9 months, or at later stages, postpartum. At cutoffs (C) of 0.8 for BED, 1.5 for LAg, and 40% for BRAI, estimated MDRIs for postpartum mothers were 192, 104, and 144 days, 33%, 32%, and 52% lower than published estimates of 287, 152 and 298 days, respectively, for clade C samples from general populations. Point estimates of MDRI values were 7%-19% shorter for women who seroconverted in the first 9 months postpartum than for those seroconverting later. MDRI values for three HIV incidence biomarkers are longer in the general population than among postpartum women, particularly those who recently gave birth, consistent with heightened immunological activation soon after birth. Our results provide a caution that MDRI may vary significantly between subjects in different physiological states.


The Pinus taeda genome is characterized by diverse and highly diverged repetitive sequences.
In today's age of genomic discovery, no attempt has been made to comprehensively sequence a gymnosperm genome. The largest genus in the coniferous family Pinaceae is Pinus, whose 110-120 species have extremely large genomes (c. 20-40 Gb, 2N = 24). The size and complexity of these genomes have prompted much speculation as to the feasibility of completing a conifer genome sequence. Conifer genomes are reputed to be highly repetitive, but there is little information available on the nature and identity of repetitive units in gymnosperms. The pines have extensive genetic resources, with approximately 329000 ESTs from eleven species and genetic maps in eight species, including a dense genetic map of the twelve linkage groups in Pinus taeda. We present here the Sanger sequence and annotation of ten P. taeda BAC clones and Genome Analyzer II whole genome shotgun (WGS) sequences representing 7.5% of the genome. Computational annotation of ten BACs predicts three putative protein-coding genes and at least fifteen likely pseudogenes in nearly one megabase of sequence. We found three conifer-specific LTR retroelements in the BACs, and tentatively identified at least 15 others based on evidence from the distantly related angiosperms. Alignment of WGS sequences to the BACs indicates that 80% of BAC sequences have similar copies (> or = 75% nucleotide identity) elsewhere in the genome, but only 23% have identical copies (99% identity). The three most common repetitive elements in the genome were identified and, when combined, represent less than 5% of the genome. This study indicates that the majority of repeats in the P. taeda genome are 'novel' and will therefore require additional BAC or genomic sequencing for accurate characterization. The pine genome contains a very large number of diverged and probably defunct repetitive elements. This study also provides new evidence that sequencing a pine genome using a WGS approach is a feasible goal.


Relaxation of intrapulmonary artery and vein by nitrogen oxide-containing vasodilators and cyclic GMP.
The present study examines the relationship between tissue cyclic nucleotide levels and relaxation of bovine intrapulmonary arterial and venous smooth muscle in response to nitroglycerin, nitroprusside, S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine and isoproterenol. Recent studies have suggested that cyclic GMP may be involved in the relaxation of vascular smooth muscle produced by nitrogen oxide-containing vasodilators and that S-nitrosothiols may act as intermediates of the latter agents. In the present study, nitroglycerin, nitroprusside and S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine were more potent as relaxants of venous than arterial segments. Each of these agents elevated tissue cyclic GMP levels, but not cyclic AMP levels, before relaxation. These nitrogen oxide-containing agents were more potent as elevators of cyclic GMP levels in venous than arterial tissue and this correlated generally with their effects on vascular smooth muscle tone. Methylene blue antagonized both relaxation and increased cyclic GMP levels elicited by nitroglycerin, nitroprusside and S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine. In contrast to the nitrogen oxide vasodilators, 8-bromo-cyclic GMP was equally effective in reducing induced tone in arterial or venous segments. Similarly, isoproterenol relaxed arterial and venous segments with equivalent sensitivities. Relaxation by isoproterenol was preceded by or occurred concomitantly with increased levels of cyclic AMP but not cyclic GMP and both effects were antagonized by propranolol. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that vascular smooth muscle relaxation in response to nitrogen oxide-containing vasodilators or isoproterenol may be mediated or modulated by the intracellular accumulation of cyclic GMP or cyclic AMP, respectively.


A Christian Faith-Based Facebook Intervention for Smoking Cessation in Rural Communities (FAITH-CORE): Protocol for a Community Participatory Development Study.
Tobacco smoking remains the leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality in the United States, with significant rural-urban disparities. Adults who live in rural areas of the United States have among the highest tobacco smoking rates in the nation and experience a higher prevalence of smoking-related deaths and deaths due to chronic diseases for which smoking is a causal risk factor. Barriers to accessing tobacco use cessation treatments are a major contributing factor to these disparities. Adults living in rural areas experience difficulty accessing tobacco cessation services due to geographical challenges, lack of insurance coverage, and lack of health care providers who treat tobacco use disorders. The use of digital technology could be a practical answer to these barriers. This report describes a protocol for a study whose main objectives are to develop and beta test an innovative intervention that uses a private, moderated Facebook group platform to deliver peer support and faith-based cessation messaging to enhance the reach and uptake of existing evidence-based smoking cessation treatment (EBCT) resources (eg, state quitline coaching programs) for rural adults who smoke. We will use the Integrated Theory of Health Behavior Change, surface or deep structure frameworks to guide intervention development, and the community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to identify and engage with community stakeholders. The initial content library of moderator postings (videos and text or image postings) will be developed using existing EBCT material from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Tips from Former Smokers Campaign. The content library will feature topics related to quitting smoking, such as coping with cravings and withdrawal and using EBCTs with faith-based message integration (eg, Bible quotes). A community advisory board and a community engagement studio will provide feedback to refine the content library. We will also conduct a beta test of the intervention with 15 rural adults who smoke to assess the recruitment feasibility and preliminary intervention uptake such as engagement, ease of use, usefulness, and satisfaction to further refine the intervention based on participant feedback. The result of this study will create an intervention prototype that will be used for a future randomized controlled trial. Our CBPR project will create a prototype of a Facebook-delivered faith-based messaging and peer support intervention that may assist rural adults who smoke to use EBCT. This study is crucial in establishing a self-sufficient smoking cessation program for the rural community. The project is unique in using a moderated social media platform providing peer support and culturally relevant faith-based content to encourage adult people who smoke to seek treatment and quit smoking. PRR1-10.2196/52398.


Nipple Sparing Mastectomy in Patients With Prior Breast Scars: Is It Safe?
Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) preserves the native skin envelope, including the nipple-areolar skin, and has significant benefits including improved aesthetic outcome and psychosocial well-being. Patients with prior breast scars undergoing NSM are thought to be at increased risk for postoperative complications, such as skin and/or nipple necrosis. This study describes our experience performing NSM in patients who have had prior breast surgery and aims to identify potential risk factors in this subset of patients. A retrospective review of all patients undergoing nipple sparing mastectomy at The University of Utah from 2005 to 2011 was performed. Fifty-two patients had prior breast scars, for a total of 65 breasts. Scars were categorized into 4 groups depending on scar location: inframammary fold, outer quadrant, periareolar, and circumareolar. Information regarding patient demographics, social and medical history, treatment intent, and postoperative complications were collected and analyzed. Eight of the 65 breasts (12%) developed a postoperative infection requiring antibiotic treatment. Tobacco use was associated with an increased risk of infection in patients with prior breast scars (odds ratio [OR], 7.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.37-46.00; P = 0.0206). There was a 13.8% rate of combined nipple and skin flap necrosis and receipt of chemotherapy (OR, 5.00; CI, 1.11-22.46; P = 0.0357) and prior BCT (OR, 12.5; CI, 2.2-71.0; P = 0.004) were found to be associated with skin flap or NAC necrosis. Nipple-sparing mastectomy is a safe and viable option for patients with a prior breast scar. Our results are comparable to the published data in patients without a prior scar. Caution should be exercised with patients who have a history of tobacco use or those requiring chemotherapy because these patients are at increased risk for infection and NAC/skin flap necrosis, respectively, when undergoing NSM in the setting of a prior breast scar.


Establishment of Prostate Tumor Growth and Metastasis Is Supported by Bone Marrow Cells and Is Mediated by PIP5K1α Lipid Kinase.
Cancer cells facilitate growth and metastasis by using multiple signals from the cancer-associated microenvironment. However, it remains poorly understood whether prostate cancer (PCa) cells may recruit and utilize bone marrow cells for their growth and survival. Furthermore, the regulatory mechanisms underlying interactions between PCa cells and bone marrow cells are obscure. In this study, we isolated bone marrow cells that mainly constituted populations that were positive for CD11b and Gr1 antigens from xenograft PC-3 tumor tissues from athymic nu/nu mice. We found that the tumor-infiltrated cells alone were unable to form tumor spheroids, even with increased amounts and time. By contrast, the tumor-infiltrated cells together with PCa cells formed large numbers of tumor spheroids compared with PCa cells alone. We further utilized xenograft athymic nu/nu mice bearing bone metastatic lesions. We demonstrated that PCa cells were unable to survive and give rise to colony-forming units (CFUs) in media that were used for hematopoietic cell colony-formation unit (CFU) assays. By contrast, PC-3M cells survived when bone marrow cells were present and gave rise to CFUs. Our results showed that PCa cells required bone marrow cells to support their growth and survival and establish bone metastasis in the host environment. We showed that PCa cells that were treated with either siRNA for PIP5K1α or its specific inhibitor, ISA-2011B, were unable to survive and produce tumor spheroids, together with bone marrow cells. Given that the elevated expression of PIP5K1α was specific for PCa cells and was associated with the induced expression of VEGF receptor 2 in PCa cells, our findings suggest that cancer cells may utilize PIP5K1α-mediated receptor signaling to recruit growth factors and ligands from the bone marrow-derived cells. Taken together, our study suggests a new mechanism that enables PCa cells to gain proliferative and invasive advantages within their associated host microenvironment. Therapeutic interventions using PIP5K1α inhibitors may not only inhibit tumor invasion and metastasis but also enhance the host immune system.


Comparison of the utilization of endoscopy units in selected teaching hospitals across Canada.
There is no information on the number of endoscopic procedures performed at major teaching hospitals across Canada. The directors of endoscopy units at eight teaching hospitals from Halifax to Vancouver volunteered demographic information on the unit at their location. There was a very wide range of endoscopic utilization, with approximately comparable rates of out-patient versus in-patient procedures and of gastroscopies versus colonoscopies, but there was no obvious linking of the ratios of in-patients:out-patients versus total number of designated gastrointestinal beds or total number of hospital beds. Thus, the appropriateness of endoscopic procedures needs to be based on standards of practice and accepted indications. The number of endoscopies performed per endoscopy unit support staff varied widely (from 323.7 to 1065.3 per year), and it would be interesting to learn whether this represents an opportunity for cost-saving in some units.


Impact of radionuclide ventriculography prior to elective abdominal aortic reconstruction.
We evaluated how preoperative radionuclide ventriculography (RNV) influences the clinical management of 96 patients referred for elective infrarenal abdominal aortic surgery. Of these, 11 had aortoiliac occlusive disease and 85 an abdominal aortic aneurysm. In 89 patients (93%), there was a known history or clinical evidence of coronary artery disease prior to RNV. The scan was abnormal in half the patients. There were 56 patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) > 50% and 40 with LVEF < or = 50%. The LVEF ranged between 10% and 88% with a mean of 52.8+/-14.1%. There was normal wall motion in 56 patients and wall abnormalities were present in 40, including four LV aneurysms. After initial assessment, 19 patients did not proceed to surgery for a variety of reasons. Cardiology consultation was requested in 11 patients, six of which were delayed or turned down for surgery mainly on cardiac grounds. Only one of these underwent cardiac catheterization. Of the remaining 77 patients who underwent surgery, 15 were seen by a cardiologist and one was delayed in order to optimize his cardiac status. No patient underwent prophylactic coronary angioplasty/stenting or revascularization preoperatively. In addition, based on the RNV results and in conjunction with the clinical findings, six patients had pulmonary artery catheters inserted either the night prior to operation (n = 3) or after induction to anaesthesia (n = 3). This is the largest reported British series of cardiac testing using RNV prior to abdominal aortic surgery. Coronaryartery disease is very common amongst such patients. RNV influences our decision-making and patientselection. An abnormal result may alter the clinical management, lead to a cardiology referral (26/96, 27% in this series) and have anaesthetic implications.


The effects of implicit religious primes on dictator game allocations: A preregistered replication experiment.
Shariff and Norenzayan (2007) discovered that people allocate more money to anonymous strangers in a dictator game following a scrambled sentence task that involved words with religious meanings. We conducted a direct replication of key elements of Shariff and Norenzayan's (2007) Experiment 2, with some additional changes. Specifically, we (a) collected data from a much larger sample of participants (N = 650); (b) added a second religious priming condition that attempted to prime thoughts of religion less conspicuously; (c) modified the wording of some of their task explanations to avoid deceiving our participants; (d) added a more explicit awareness probe; (e) reduced prime-probe time; and (f) performed statistical analyses that are more appropriate for non-normal data. We did not find a statistically significant effect for religious priming. Additional tests for possible between-subjects moderators of the religious priming effect also yielded nonsignificant results. A small-scale meta-analysis, which included all known studies investigating the effect of religious priming on dictator game offers, suggested that the mean effect size is not different from zero, although the wide confidence intervals indicate that conclusions regarding this effect should be drawn with caution. Finally, we found some evidence of small-study effects: Studies with larger samples tended to produce smaller effects (a pattern consistent with publication bias). Overall, these results suggest that the effects of religious priming on dictator game allocations might be either not reliable or else quite sensitive to differences in methods or in the populations in which the effect has been examined.


COVID-19 Presenting with Spontaneous Pneumothorax.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The disease mainly affects respiratory system. Its common clinical findings include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Characteristic radiological features of the disease include peripherally distributed, bilateral ground-glass opacities, predominantly involving the lower lung zones. In this report, we present a case of COVID-19 disease presenting with spontaneous pneumothorax. A 26-year male patient was admitted to the Emergency Department with fever, dry cough, shortness of breath and right-sided chest pain. Radiographic imaging of the patient revealed pneumothorax on the right and peripherally distributed non-homogenous opacification. The patient underwent right lateral tube thoracostomy. COVID-19 was diagnosed on testing of nasopharyngeal swab. In conclusion, spontaneous pneumothorax is one of the rare presentations of COVID-19 pneumonia and should be kept in mind in patients presenting with shortness of breath and chest pain. Key Words: Spontaneous pneumothorax, Corona, pneumonia.


Mineralocorticoid effects on Na-K-ATPase in individual nephron segments.
A fluorometric micromethod for the assay of Na-K-ATPase was used to determine Na-K-ATPase activity in 11 segments of the rabbit nephron. The Na-K-ATPase activity was found to be highest (greater than 100 pmol.mm1-.min-1) in proximal convoluted tubules (S1), medullary thick ascending limbs, distal convoluted tubules, and connecting tubules. There was a good correlation (r = 0.94) between Na-K-ATPase activity in different segments and net Na transport previously measured by in vitro tubule perfusion. Treatment of rabbits with deoxycorticosterone (DOCA) for 8-11 days produced increases in Na-K-ATPase activity of 100 and 500% in connecting tubules and cortical collecting ducts, respectively, without significant change in other segments. Maintenance on a low sodium diet for 12-18 days was associated with a 200% increase in Na-K-ATPase activity in cortical collecting ducts only. We conclude that the Na-K-ATPase activity is stimulated by mineralocorticoids in the cortical collecting duct in association with the previously observed changes in sodium transport.


Social Support and Depressive Symptoms among Trauma-Impacted Older Adults.
Purpose: The present study investigates the association between social support and depressive symptomatology among older adults who have been impacted by trauma. Previous studies have not sufficiently explored this topic to date.Method: The current study analyzed public-use data from the 2012 Health and Retirement Study (N = 4,195), focusing specifically on community-dwelling older adults (> 50). They had at least one traumatic event in their lifetime.Results: This study found that higher levels of social support were significantly associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms after controlling for life satisfaction, age, gender, race, ethnicity, and education..Discussion and Conclusion: The recent emergence of trauma-informed research has consistently emphasized the importance of social interaction for mental health. The current study shows that social support can reduce depressive symptoms of those who have experienced trauma.


Research progress on the immune microenvironment and immunotherapy in gastric cancer.
The tumor microenvironment, particularly the immune microenvironment, plays an indispensable role in the malignant progression and metastasis of gastric cancer (GC). As our understanding of the GC microenvironment continues to evolve, we are gaining deeper insights into the biological mechanisms at the single-cell level. This, in turn, has offered fresh perspectives on GC therapy. Encouragingly, there are various monotherapy and combination therapies in use, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell transfer therapy, chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy, antibody-drug conjugates, and cancer vaccines. In this paper, we review the current research progress regarding the GC microenvironment and summarize promising immunotherapy research and targeted therapies.


The value of occupational therapy intervention for the worker roles of forensic mental healthcare users in Cape Town, South Africa.
There is a void in research that focuses on how OT programs facilitate self-esteem in forensic mental healthcare users' return-to-work in the open labor market, particularly in South Africa. To explore the experiences and perceptions of forensic mental healthcare users, transitioning from an OT program to the open labor market. Five individuals, diagnosed with Schizophrenia, and two key informants participated in this study that was positioned in a qualitative paradigm, with an exploratory and descriptive design. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Theme one reflects on the challenges experienced by forensic mental healthcare users, when returning to work. Theme two describes various OT programs, as well as how they facilitate the reintegration of forensic mental healthcare users into the worker role. Theme three describes the positive support for forensic mental healthcare users, in the mental healthcare setting, workplace, and the greater community. Theme four describes how participation in occupation installs hope in forensic mental healthcare users, reinforcing the value of work, while positively influencing their work identity. The results revealed that stigma, residual symptoms, relapse due to substance abuse/mental health, and the lack of family support, were not be conducive to work skills development. However, the support of family and friends, workplace occupational therapy support, assembly line work, and therapeutic groups in an OT program, ensured positive workplace reintegration.


Excitatory amino acid transporters of the salamander retina: identification, localization, and function.
The rapid re-uptake of extracellular glutamate mediated by a family of high-affinity glutamate transporter proteins is essential to continued glutamatergic signaling and neuronal viability, but the contributions of individual transporter subtypes toward cellular physiology are poorly understood. Because the physiology of glutamate transport in the salamander retina has been well described, we have examined the expression and function of glutamate transporter subtypes in this preparation. cDNAs encoding five distinct salamander excitatory amino acid transporter (sEAAT) subtypes were isolated, and their molecular properties and distributions of expression were compared. We report evidence that at least four distinct sEAAT subtypes are expressed in glial (Müller) cells. In addition, four of the five transporter subtypes are localized in neurons throughout the retina. The brightest immunostaining was seen in the synaptic regions of the inner and outer plexiform layers and in the outer nuclear layer. Using electrophysiological measurements in the Xenopus oocyte expression system, we also examined the pharmacology and ionic dependence of the four expressing transporter subtypes that make it possible to distinguish, on the basis of functional behavior, among the various subtypes. Although no simple correlation between transporter subtype and retinal cell physiology can be made, the diverse population of sEAAT transporter subtypes with unique localization and functional properties indicates that glutamate transporters play a wide variety of roles in retinal function and are likely to underlie both the uptake of glutamate by Müller cells and the glutamate-elicited chloride conductance involved in signal transduction by photoreceptors and bipolar cells.


External load differences between elite youth and professional football players: ready for take-off?
This study examines differences in weekly load between the first (FT) and the under 19 team (U19) within a professional football setting. Data were collected in 11 FT and 9 U19 players (2016-2017 season). FT data was divided into weeks with (FT-M1) or without (FT-M0) a mid-week match. Indicators were total distance (TD) and TD at 12-15, 15-20, 20-25 and >25 km‧h-1 and were analysed as external load (m), intensity (m‧min-1) and load monotony (a.u.). TD-based load was higher for U19 compared to FT-M0 (very likely moderate) and FT-M1 (likely large). Differences at higher velocities were substantially less (trivial to possibly small), with TD >25 km‧h-1 being lower than FT-M0 (very likely moderate) and FT-M1 (likely small). All intensity indicators were lower for U19 (likely small to almost certainly large). Load monotony was higher compared to FT-M1 (possibly small to almost certainly very large). Compared to FT-M0, monotony was higher for TD (possibly very large) and TD >25 km‧h‑1 (possibly moderate) but lower for TD 12-15 (possibly small) and 15-20 km‧h‑1 (likely moderate). So, despite higher weekly external loads at low velocity for elite youth players, external intensity and load variation increases when these players may transition to professional football.


Welfare reform and child care options for low-income families.
For the changes under welfare reform to positively affect children, the gains that mothers make from employment must lead to improvements in children's daily settings at home, in child care, at school, or in the community. This article focuses on the role child care can play in promoting the development of, and life opportunities for, low-income children. Key observations include: Total federal and state funding for child care for welfare and working poor families has increased dramatically since welfare reform, from $2.8 billion in 1995 to $8.0 billion in 2000. The majority of welfare mothers tend to rely on informal child care arrangements when first participating in welfare-to-work programs, but as they move off welfare and into more stable jobs, they are more likely to choose a center or a family child care home. Although children from poor households stand to benefit the most from high-quality care, they are less likely to be enrolled in high-quality programs than are children from affluent families, partly due to uneven access to high-quality options in their neighborhoods. Less than one-quarter of all eligible families use child care subsidies, and usage varies widely across states and local areas reflecting various barriers to access and scarcity of quality center-based care. The authors conclude that to achieve welfare reform's ultimate goal of breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty and dependence on government benefits, welfare-to-work programs should promote learning and development among children in welfare and working poor families by increasing access to high-quality child care in low-income neighborhoods.


Role of autobiographical memory in social problem solving and depression.
Depressed patients frequently exhibit deficiencies in social problem solving (SPS). A possible cause of this deficit is an impairment in patients' ability to retrieve specific autobiographical memories. A clinically depressed group and a hospital control group performed the Means-End Problem-Solving (MEPS; J. J. Platt & G. Spivack, 1975a) task, during which they were required to attend to the memories retrieved during solution generation. Memories were categorized according to whether they were specific, categoric, or extended and whether the valence of the memories was positive or negative. Results support the general hypothesis that SPS skill is a function of autobiographical memory retrieval as measured by a cuing task and by the types of memories retrieved during the MEPS. However, the dysfunctional nature of categoric memories in SPS, rather than the importance of specific memories, was highlighted in the depressed group. Valence proved to be an unimportant variable in SPS ability. The cyclical links among autobiographical memory retrieval, SPS skills, and depression are discussed.


The Use of Nonprescription Weight Loss Products Among Female Basketball, Softball, and Volleyball Athletes from NCAA Division I Institutions: Issues and Concerns.
To identify and describe the use of nonprescription weight loss products among female basketball, softball, and volleyball players from NCAA Division I institutions and to address health and sports performance issues concerning the use of weight loss products by female athletes. Mailed self-reporting questionnaire, sample of convenience. The Department of Physical Education at the University of South Carolina sponsored this study. The researchers sent 371 questionnaires to NCAA Division I athletic trainers of ten basketball teams, ten softball teams, and eleven volleyball teams. The recipients returned all of the questionnaires. Of the subjects, 106 played basketball, 138 played softball, and 127 played volleyball. A survey consisting of nine questions related to the use of weight loss products by NCAA Division I female athletes. Approximately 29% of the subjects reported using nonprescription weight loss products, which included general weight-reducing products, diuretics, and laxatives. More volleyball players (71%) used all types of these products than did softball (32%) or basketball (11.3%) players. More white athletes (32.3%) reported using the products than did African American athletes (6.7%). More volleyball players (23.6%) used diuretics than did softball (3.6%) or basketball (1.0%) players. Laxative use was greatest among volleyball players (18.8%), followed by basketball (1.8%) and softball (2.9%) players. Subjects typically reported purchasing nonprescription weight loss products over the counter (96.4%). The mean age of initial use was 16.2 years. Frequency of use increased during the out-of-sport season. The number one reason for using nonprescription weight loss products was for appearance enhancement (79.6%). Based upon the results of this study, the use of nonprescription weight loss products is particularly common among volleyball players, but softball and basketball players also use them. Most subjects used these products during the out-of-sport season; therefore, information and intervention programs should target out-of-season use patterns. These programs should address the effects weight loss products have on sports performance and general health and should address issues relating to physical appearance.


[Solid-phase immunoenzyme analysis of alpha-fetoprotein in human blood serum].
A test system for enzyme immunoassay of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was developed on the basis of the diagnostic agents manufactured by the N. F. Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology. The effect of shielding antibody active centers in sensitization of planes with excessive concentrations of antibodies was detected. The test system was used to measure AFP levels in blood sera of pregnant women. The results may be used for screening pregnant women for the prenatal diagnosis of fetal neural tube.


Pattern of apoptosis by NS398, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines.
NS398, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, is known to inhibit the growth of COX-2 expressing hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The present study investigated whether the cytotoxic effect of NS398 was COX-2 dependent and whether caspases were involved in NS398-induced apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The expressions of COX-2 in SNU 423 and SNU 449 hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines were examined using RT-PCR and Western blot. The cytotoxic effect of NS398 was measured using MTT in the presence or absence of caspase inhibitors. The distribution of the cell cycle and extent of apoptosis were analyzed using flow cytometry and a Cell Death Elisa kit, respectively. The expression of COX-2 was observed in SNU423 cells, but not in SNU 449 cells. NS398 treatment resulted in both dose-and time-dependent growth inhibitions, with increases in apoptotic cells in both cell lines. Treatment with the pan-caspase inhibitor, z-VAD- fmk, or the caspase-3 inhibitor, Ac-DMQD-CHO, showed no attenuation of the cytotoxic effect of NS398 in either cell line. This study demonstrated that the cytotoxic effect of NS398 was independent of COX-2 expression. Caspases were also shown not to be involved in NS398-induced apoptosis in either SNU 423 or SNU 449 Korean HCC cell lines. Our data suggests the feasibility of preventing hepatocellular carcinoma with the use of COX-2 inhibitors needs to be carefully evaluated.


CD83 regulates splenic B cell maturation and peripheral B cell homeostasis.
The central function of murine CD83 that is expressed on thymic epithelial cells is to induce the progression of double-positive thymocytes to single CD4-positive T cells. Several lines of evidence suggest an additional role for CD83 in the regulation of peripheral T and B cell responses. Here we show that CD83 is expressed by immature B cells and regulates their further maturation and survival in the periphery. Employing mixed bone marrow chimeras, we compare wild-type, CD83 over-expressing and CD83-deficient B cells within the same host. CD83 over-expression on the immature B cells themselves led to an accumulation of transitional B cells and a reciprocally reduced maturation of follicular B cells that was strictly correlated to the intensity of CD83 over-expression. The absence of CD83 on B cells resulted in a decreased maturation of marginal zone B cells and conferred a mild selection advantage for B cell survival in the periphery. Consenting with these findings, the over-expression of CD83 specifically and dose dependently interfered with homeostasis of B cells while T cell survival was not affected by CD83 over-expression over a period of 30 weeks. Taken together, our data suggest that CD83 negatively regulates B cell maturation and survival.


Signaling LTPs: a new plant LTPs sub-family?
Numerous plant non specific Lipid Transfer Protein (nsLTPs) have been characterized for their antimicrobial activity, suggesting for these proteins a direct role in the protection against pathogenic microorganisms. Another group of LTPs seems to be involved in structural events in the extracellular matrix through binding and transport of hydrophobic molecules. More recently, some LTPs putatively involved in the symbiotic interaction between legumes and rhizobia have been identified. We investigated the role of MtN5, a LTP from Medicago truncatula, which is specifically expressed in the roots and induced by both Sinorhizobium meliloti and a root pathogenic fungus. Once the symbiosis has been established, MtN5 is preferentially accumulated in the root nodule. The suppression of MtN5 transcript, obtained by means of an RNAi approach, resulted in a reduced nodulation, whereas its overexpression led to an increased number of nodules produced by S. meliloti. These observations demonstrated that MtN5 is required for an efficient nodulation. On the basis of the amino acid sequence, MtN5 has been included in the nsLTP-like sub-family, together with Arabidopsis thaliana DIR1, a protein playing a role in SAR signaling. The putative role(s) for this LTP in the symbiotic association are discussed in the present commentary. MtN5, together with DIR1 and other new LTPs, are proposed to form a new LTP subfamily involved in lipid signalling.


Microbiological aspects of the investigation that traced the 1998 outbreak of listeriosis in the United States to contaminated hot dogs and establishment of molecular subtyping-based surveillance for Listeria monocytogenes in the PulseNet network.
A multistate outbreak of listeriosis occurred in the United States in 1998 with illness onset dates between August and December. The outbreak caused illness in 108 persons residing in 24 states and caused 14 deaths and four miscarriages or stillbirths. This outbreak was detected by public health officials in Tennessee and New York who observed significant increases over expected listeriosis cases in their states. Subsequently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) began laboratory characterization of clinical isolates of Listeria monocytogenes by serotyping and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). For the purpose of this investigation, outbreak-related isolates were defined as those that had a specific AscI-PFGE pattern and indistinguishable or highly similar (no more than 2 band difference in 26 bands) ApaI-PFGE patterns when their DNA was restricted by AscI and ApaI restriction enzymes. Timely availability of molecular subtyping results enabled epidemiologists to separate outbreak cases from temporally associated sporadic cases in the same geographic areas and facilitated the identification of contaminated hot dogs manufactured at a single commercial facility as the source of the outbreak. During the investigation of this outbreak, a standardized protocol for subtyping L. monocytogenes by PFGE was developed and disseminated to public health laboratories participating with CDC's PulseNet network; these laboratories were requested to begin routine PFGE subtyping of L. monocytogenes.


Clinical and radiologic differences between early onset, late onset, and very late onset adult multiple sclerosis.
Previous studies suggested possible differences in clinical and radiologic characteristics between early-onset multiple sclerosis (EOMS) and late-onset MS (LOMS). However, differences between LOMS and very late onset MS (VLOMS) are largely unknown. We performed a retrospective review of medical records of patients diagnosed with MS between 8/1/2017 and 3/1/2022 at the comprehensive MS center of the Froedtert and Medical College of Wisconsin. We included adult patients with MS diagnosis who were 60 years or older - VLOMS, 50-59 years old at diagnosis - LOMS, or were 18-30 years old at diagnosis - EOMS and had complete imaging and clinical records. Clinical presentation and location of demyelinating lesions at the onset of diagnosis were extracted and compared using the chi-square test, p<0.05. A total of 246 newly diagnosed patients were identified. Of which 54 were EOMS, 29 were LOMS, and 35 were VLOMS. The sex ratio was not different between groups. EOMS had a higher percentage of patients who self-identified as black, while LOMS had a higher percentage of patients who self-identified as white. LOMS and VLOMS showed significant differences in the presence of tremors and lesion distribution at the onset. Older onset patients were more likely to present with motor symptoms, sphincter dysfunction, fatigue, and tremor. EOMS was more likely to present with cerebellum and occipital lobe lesions, and lesions were more likely to show contrast enhancement on MRI at diagnosis. Our findings revealed novel clinical and imaging characteristics differences between VLOMS and LOMS. The current classification of LOMS may benefit from revision to better align with chronological age classification for old age >60 instead of the current standard in the literature of >50 years.


Transport and cleavage of bacterial pre-beta-lactamase by mammalian microsomes.
Eucaryotic endoplasmic reticulum and bacterial inner cell membranes use strikingly similar mechanisms to transport proteins from one cellular compartment to another. Using a mammalian linked transcription-translation system, we show here that canine pancreatic microsomes accurately cleave off the signal sequence of beta-lactamase, a secreted bacterial protein. We suggest that the apparent differences between bacterial and eukaryotic protein transport may involve only minor modulations of a profoundly conserved mechanism.


Postoperative delirium: the importance of pain and pain management.
Postoperative delirium is common in geriatric patients. Few studies have examined events in the postoperative period that may contribute to the occurrence of postoperative delirium. We hypothesized that postoperative delirium is related to postoperative pain and/or pain management strategy. Patients aged > or =65 years who were scheduled for major noncardiac surgery were studied. A structured interview was conducted preoperatively and for the first 3 postoperative days to determine the presence of delirium using the Confusion Assessment Method. The method of postoperative pain management, as well as pre- and postoperative medications for the first 3 days, was collected. Pre- and postoperative pain at rest and with movement was recorded using the Visual Analog Scale. Three hundred thirty-three patients, with a mean age of 74 +/- 6 years, were studied. After surgery, 46% of patients developed postoperative delirium. By multivariate logistic regression, age (odds ratio [OR], 2.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5 to 4.2), moderate (OR, 2.2; 95% CI 1.2 to 4.0) and severe (OR, 3.7; 95% CI 1.5 to 9.0) preoperative resting pain, and increase in level of pain from baseline to postoperative day one (OR, 1.1; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.2) were independently associated with a greater risk for the development of postoperative delirium. In contrast, patients who used oral opioid analgesics as their sole means of postoperative pain control were at decreased risk of developing delirium in comparison with those who used opioid analgesics via IV patient-controlled analgesia technique (OR, 0.4; 95% CI 0.2 to 0.7). These results validate our hypothesis that pain and pain management strategies are important factors related to the development of postoperative delirium in elderly patients.


Effects of obstruction on single-kidney function: clinical and experimental results with 131I-hippurate and 99mTc-DMSA.
In 35 patients, renography with 131I-o-hippurate (OIH) and static renal imaging with 99mTc-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) were used to measure differential renal function (DRF). The results were compared. Depth correction was applied in both methods. In non-obstructed kidneys (19 patients), both methods revealed nearly identical kidney function (r = 0.98). For completely obstructed kidneys (16 patients), OIH gave a significantly better DRF (14 ml/min) than DMSA. This small difference was of no clinical value. Because DMSA is reported to give unreliable results in unilateral obstructed kidneys, the right ureter was ligated in 8 dogs for 10 days and DRF was measured before and after opening an ureteral fistula. The difference in DRF was about 1% and could be accounted for by the amount of urinary radioactivity collected from the pelvic system after the ligature had been opened. Although DMSA appears to give reliable values in determining DRF, even in obstructed kidneys, OIH is preferred since total clearance values and postrenal urinary dynamics can be determined simultaneously.


Effects of a Video-based Intervention on Caregiver Confidence for Managing Dementia Care Challenges: Findings from the FamTechCare Clinical Trial.
The Supporting Family Caregivers with Technology trial tested the FamTechCare video support intervention against telephone support. Dementia caregivers' video-recorded challenging care encounters and an interdisciplinary team provided tailored feedback. This paper reports on the effects of the intervention on caregiver confidence in managing priority challenges, a secondary outcome of this non-blinded parallel randomized controlled trial. Caregiver/person living with dementia dyads were randomized to the experimental FamTechCare video support (n = 43) or attention control telephone support (n = 41) groups. Caregivers providing in-home care to a person living with mild or more severe dementia were eligible. Caregivers identified three priority challenges using the Caregiver Target Problems Questionnaire and rated the frequency and severity of each challenge and their confidence managing the challenge at baseline and 3-months. Challenges were classified using the FamTechCare Technology-supported Dementia Care Typology. Effects on confidence were compared between groups using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test and within groups using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Caregiver priority challenges included managing dementia behaviors, understanding disease expectations, and performing activity of daily living care. Improvements were observed across the three categories in both groups; however, not all changes were statistically significant. No significant differences were identified between groups. Caregivers in the FamTechCare group reported benefit across all priority challenges including managing dementia behaviors, understanding disease expectations, and performing activity of daily living care. Innovative technology provides new opportunities to support family caregivers in dementia home care. Video-recording can be used to enhance support for family caregivers facing care challenges.


Ultrasonicated Enterococcus faecium SF68 enhances neutrophil free radical production and udder innate immunity of drying-off dairy cows.
Proper dry cow management is critical not only for subsequent milk production and fertility but also for mastitis control. A phenomenon of immunosuppression was commonly observed in transition cows, an example being the high susceptibility of the mammary gland during early the dry period to new infectious agents. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) play important defence roles in the mammary gland of newly dried cows. One of the bactericidal mechanisms of PMN is through producing reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can be efficiently quantified by chemiluminescence (CL) assay. In the current study, the potential of intramammary application of a commercial Enterococcus faecium SF68 (SF68) product to enhance the local innate immunity of newly dried mammary glands was evaluated based on the CL assay. The preliminary experiments in vitro indicated virtual dose-responsiveness of ROS generation from three different cell preparations, bovine blood PMN, bovine blood PMN pre-conditioned with cow milk, and the post-diapedesis model somatic cells from cow milk, on their exposure to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), viable SF68, and ultrasonicated SF68, but not dry-heated SF68. Because ultrasonication treatment was found to profoundly enhance the immunogenicity of SF68 in vitro, in the following animal trial, single infusion of either 5 or 10×107 original cfu of ultrasonicated SF68 was randomly applied to the front quarters and phosphate-bufferedsaline (PBS) applied to the rear quarters of each of the four experimental cows on the first day of milk stasis. The results showed that within the first post-infusion week, ultrasonicated SF68 induced a faster and greater (P<0·05) recruitment of PMN into mammary lumen with no apparent local or systemic inflammatory sign. Meanwhile, ultrasonicated SF68 also induced a greater (P<0·05) ROS production in response to PMA challenge by in situ somatic cells of mammary secretion. Taken together, ultrasonicated SF68 modulated ROS generation of bovine neutrophils, and would be a potential enhancer of udder innate immunity in drying-off dairy cows. More thorough work is warranted.


Co-administration of adjuvants along with Moringa oleifera attenuates beryllium-induced oxidative stress and histopathological alterations in rats.
Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) is a rich source of antioxidants. All parts of the plant are medicinally important and have been used as traditional medicine for a variety of human ailments in India. Therapeutic efficacy of adjuvants with M. oleifera (MO) root extract was investigated against beryllium-induced oxidative stress. Hydroalcoholic (50% v/v) root extract of M. oleifera (150 mg/kg, p.o.) alone and combinations of M. oleifera with either piperine (2.5 mg/kg, p.o.) or curcumin (5.0 mg/kg, p.o.) daily for 1 week were administered in experimental rats against beryllium toxicity (1.0 mg/kg, i.p. daily for 5 weeks). Oxidative stress parameters including blood sugar, G-6-Pase in liver, and DNA damage were analyzed. Histopathological changes in liver and kidney were also observed. Beryllium enhanced lipid peroxidation (LPO), depleted reduced glutathione (GSH) and antioxidant enzymes activities, decreased blood sugar and G-6-Pase activity, and did not damage DNA. Histologically, liver was observed with structural loss and disintegration of hepatocytes, heavy vacuolation in hepatocytes, and kidney was observed with constriction of glomeruli and hypertrophy in epithelial cells of uriniferous tubules. Therapy of M. oleifera with piperine was effective; however, combination of M. oleifera with curcumin showed better therapeutic effect by reduction of LPO, elevated GSH level, maintained antioxidant enzymes activities, restored blood sugar, and G-6-Pase activity in liver together with almost normal histoarchitecture of liver and kidney. Curcumin enhanced therapeutic efficacy of M. oleifera root extract and showed better antioxidant potential against beryllium toxicity.


Effects of Half-Time Cooling Using A Cooling Glove and Jacket on Manual Dexterity and Repeated-Sprint Performance in Heat.
This study aimed to assess the separate and combined effects of a cooling glove (CG) and a gel-cooling jacket (CJ) used during a half-time break on manual dexterity performance (Purdue Pegboard test) and subsequent repeat-sprint cycling performance in hot conditions. Twelve male athletes performed four experimental trials (within subjects, counterbalanced design) that consisted of: wearing a CG, wearing a CJ, combination of CG and CJ (CG+J) or a no-cooling control (NC) for 15 min during a 20 min half-time break performed between 2 x 30 min repeated-sprint cycling bouts in heat (35.0 ± 1.2°C and 52.5 ± 7.4% RH). Manual dexterity (dominant and non-dominant hand) was assessed immediately before and after the first-half of exercise, then immediately after cooling and the second-half of exercise. No differences were found for manual dexterity performance between trials or over time (p > 0.05). Additionally, no differences were found for power and work performance variables assessed during the second-half of exercise (p > 0.05), however participants felt 'cooler' wearing CG+J compared to NC (Thermal Sensation scale; p = 0.041). Further, no differences were found between trials for changes in gastrointestinal core temperature for any time period assessed (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the cooling trials did not affect manual dexterity or second-half repeated-sprint cycling performance compared to NC.


Lung cancer and indoor air pollution in rural china.
PURPOSE: Indoor air pollution has been linked with lung cancer in China. In contrast to previous studies conducted in urban areas with high levels of industrial pollution, we undertook a lung cancer case-control study in a rural area of China, where residents live in underground dwellings. We evaluated the effects of radon, wood and coal combustion, cooking oil fumes, and environmental tobacco smoke on lung cancer risk.METHODS: We enrolled 886 lung cancer cases (656 males, 230 females) diagnosed between 1994-98, aged 30-75 years and 1765 frequency matched population-based controls from two prefectures in Gansu Province in Northwestern China. We conducted interviews with subjects or next of kin on smoking, housing characteristics, fuel use and cooking practices. Year-long radon detectors were placed in current and former homes of subjects.RESULTS: Subjects primarily used coal (22%), wood (56%) or a combination of both (22%) for heating. Odds Ratios (OR) for lung cancer rose with increasing percent of time that coal was used to heat homes over the past 30 years (ORs = 1.00, 1.17, 1.35, 1.23 compared to wood only, adjusted to smoking, P for trend = 0.025). Among non-smoking females and males, the OR for ever exposed to environmental tobacco smoke was 1.19, 95% CI = 0.7-2.0 with a significant trend for increasing years of exposure. Fumes from cooking with rapeseed oil increased the risk of lung cancer (OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.0-2.5) among non-smoking women. Among these women, occasional and frequent eye and throat irritation during cooking appeared to be associated with increased risk of lung cancer (ORs = 1.00, 1.42, 2.28, p trend < 0.01), whereas, increasing level of smokiness during cooking did not appear to affect risk.CONCLUSIONS: There is a suggestion that coal used for heating, environmental tobacco smoke, and cooking oil fumes contribute to the risk of lung cancer in this rural area of China.


Nutritional Status and Health-Related Quality of Life among Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis Patients under Rehabilitation Care in Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has estimated that 80% of people with osteoarthritis (OA) have movement limitations while 25% of them cannot perform their major daily activities, thus resulting in a decline of their nutritional status and quality of life (QOL). Therefore, this study aimed to compare the nutritional status and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of OA patients between gender and age group. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 131 OA patients in Rehabilitation Health Organisation, Terengganu. Socio-demographic, clinical, lifestyle histories, 24-hour dietary intake and HRQOL were assessed using a structured questionnaire. Knee and/or hip OA patients recruited consisted of 19.1% of men and 80.9 % of women collectively with a mean age of 61.81 (9.28) years ranging from 38 to 83 years. The percentages of underweight, normal, overweight, and obese patients were 1.5%, 12.2%, 36.7%, and 49.6%, respectively. Further assessment of HRQOL showed that the highest mean score was obtained by the social functioning (SF) domain of 41.25 (27.16), while the mental domain scored the least mean score of 21.15 (20.92). In terms of gender breakdown, the males had significantly greater weight and height but lower body fat (BF) compared to their female counterparts, as well as a significantly higher energy, carbohydrate and protein intake. According to the age group, patients aged < 60 years had significantly greater weight, height, and BF than those aged ≥ 60 years. This study is an important baseline reference for proper OA management and prevention by providing crucial nutritional status and HRQOL information.


The Existence and Localization of Nuclear snoRNAs in Arabidopsis thaliana Revisited.
Ribosome biogenesis is one cell function-defining process. It depends on efficient transcription of rDNAs in the nucleolus as well as on the cytosolic synthesis of ribosomal proteins. For newly transcribed rRNA modification and ribosomal protein assembly, so-called small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) and ribosome biogenesis factors (RBFs) are required. For both, an inventory was established for model systems like yeast and humans. For plants, many assignments are based on predictions. Here, RNA deep sequencing after nuclei enrichment was combined with single molecule species detection by northern blot and in vivo fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)-based localization studies. In addition, the occurrence and abundance of selected snoRNAs in different tissues were determined. These approaches confirm the presence of most of the database-deposited snoRNAs in cell cultures, but some of them are localized in the cytosol rather than in the nucleus. Further, for the explored snoRNA examples, differences in their abundance in different tissues were observed, suggesting a tissue-specific function of some snoRNAs. Thus, based on prediction and experimental confirmation, many plant snoRNAs can be proposed, while it cannot be excluded that some of the proposed snoRNAs perform alternative functions than are involved in rRNA modification.


The crystal structure of NusB from Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Both prokaryotes and eukaryotes regulate transcription through mechanisms that suppress termination signals. An antitermination mechanism was first characterized in bacteriophage lambda. Bacteria have analogous machinery that regulates ribosomal RNA transcription and employs host factors, called the N-utilizing (where N stands for the phage lambda N protein) substances (Nus), NusA, NusB, NusE and NusG. Here we report the crystal structure of NusB from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis in humans. This molecule shares a similar tertiary structure with the related Escherichia coli protein but adopts a different quaternary organization. We show that, unlike the E. coli homolog, M. tuberculosis NusB is dimeric both in solution and in the crystal. These data help provide a framework for understanding the structural and biological function of NusB in the prokaryotic transcriptional antitermination complex.


The ending of menstruation: perspectives and experiences of lesbian and heterosexual women.
This article aims to theorize how a sample of menopausal women, lesbian and heterosexual, construct the ending of their periods, and what the experience means for them. Findings indicate that for most of the lesbian participants (who were in a sizeable minority), emotions of loss at the ending of periods were simultaneously expressed alongside positive feelings, and they engaged in greater introspection around the issue than did heterosexual women. However, lesbians did not all take up a singular subject position in relation to menstruation, indicating that there is fragmentation and plurality in how the body is experienced across a group.


Short-term variations in trabecular bone texture parameters associated to radio-clinical biomarkers improve the prediction of radiographic knee osteoarthritis progression.
The present study aims to examine whether the short-term variations in trabecular bone texture (TBT) parameters, combined with a targeted set of clinical and radiographic data, would improve the prediction of long-term radiographic knee osteoarthritis (KOA) progression. Longitudinal (baseline, 24 and 48-month) data, obtained from the Osteoarthritis Initiative cohort, were available for 1352 individuals, with preexisting OA (1 < Kellgren-Lawrence < 4) at baseline. KOA progression was defined as an increase in the medial joint space narrowing score from the 24-months to the 48-months control point. 16 regions of interest were automatically selected from each radiographic knee and analyzed using fractal dimension. Variations from baseline to 24 months in TBT descriptors as well as selected radiographic and clinical readings were calculated. Different logistic regression models were developed to evaluate the progression prediction performance when associating TBT variations with the selected clinical and radiographic readings. The most predictive model was mainly determined using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The proposed prediction model including short-term variations in TBT parameters, associated with clinical covariates and radiographic scores, improved the capacity of predicting long-term radiographic KOA progression (AUC of 0.739), compared to models based solely on baseline values (AUC of 0.676, p-value < 0.008).


[Activity of enzymes of the tricarboxylic acid cycle in Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains resistant and sensitive to antibiotics].
The activity of enzymes of the tricarboxylic acid cycle and some enzymes which catalyze the reactions connected with the reactions cycle of Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains which contain plasmids with various spectrum and level of sensitivity to antibiotics has been studied. The decrease of activity of the basic enzymes of the cycle and intensification of anapleurotic reactions and reactions of constructive metabolism connected with the tricarboxylic acid cycle in antibiotic-resistant containing plasmids strains has been found.


Do demographic and socio-economic factors predict Sense of Coherence among university students?
The COVID-19 pandemic and related containment measures have been threatful for psychological well-being, particularly for young people such as university students. Sense of Coherence (SoC) can help in coping with stressful and anxiety-provoking situations. The aim of this study is to describe the levels of SoC and to investigate the socio-economic, and demographic predictors in a sample of students attending Florence University, in the timespan between August, 17th and October, 3rd 2020. The cross-sectional online survey was completed by 2,996 students. Higher levels of SoC have been found among males and for respondents reporting a better socioeconomic condition. Regarding the dimensions of SoC, lower levels were reported for comprehensibility and manageability, higher for meaningfulness. These results reinforce the need to plan and implement health promotion interventions aimed to support and sustain university students in general and specifically those at higher risk of low level of SoC.


Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of 10 Synthetic Cathinones Into Schedule I. Final rule.
With the issuance of this final rule, the Drug Enforcement Administration places 10 synthetic cathinones: 4-methyl-N-ethylcathinone (4-MEC); 4-methyl-alpha-pyrrolidinopropiophenone (4-MePPP); alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone ([alpha]-PVP); 1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-(methylamino)butan-1-one (butylone, bk-MBDB e); 2-(methylamino)-1-phenylpentan-1-one (pentedrone); 1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-(methylamino)pentan-1-one (pentylone, bk-MBDP); 4-fluoro-N-methylcathinone (4-FMC, flephedrone); 3-fluoro-N-methylcathinone (3-FMC); 1-(naphthalen-2-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentan-1-one (naphyrone); alpha-pyrrolidinobutiophenone ([alpha]-PBP) and their optical, positional, and geometric isomers, salts and salts of isomers, whenever the existence of such salts, isomers, and salts of isomers is possible, into schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. This scheduling action is pursuant to the Controlled Substances Act which requires that such actions be made on the record after opportunity for a hearing through formal rulemaking. This rule continues the imposition of the regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled substances on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, reverse distribute, import, export, engage in research, conduct instructional activities or chemical analysis, or possess), or propose to handle 4-MEC, 4-MePPP, [alpha]-PVP, butylone, pentedrone, pentylone, 4-FMC, 3- FMC, naphyrone, or [alpha]-PBP.


TNF receptor gene therapy results in suppression of IgG2a anticollagen antibody in collagen induced arthritis.
Therapeutic strategies to block tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) activity in experimental autoimmune arthritis models and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have proved highly successful, and provide sustained beneficial effects. To examine whether TNFalpha inhibition has immunological activity beyond the reduction of inflammation in collagen induced arthritis (CIA), an established experimental model of RA. Arthritic DBA/1 mice received single periarticular injections of retroviral constructs encoding human TNF receptor (TNF-R) into the affected arthritic paw, at the onset of arthritis. Severity of arthritis, antibodies to collagen type II (CII), and extent of pathological joint damage of arthritic paws were compared between TNF-R and media treated (control) animals 3, 7, 14, 21, and 49 days after disease onset. Severity of CIA was significantly decreased in TNF-R treated animals compared with controls, 14-34 days after disease onset. Joint destruction was reduced in TNF-R injected joints and in the uninjected contralateral and ipsilateral paws of TNF-R treated animals. Seven days after disease onset, TNF-R treated mice had lower levels of inflammatory Th1 driven IgG2a antibodies to CII (p<0.05) than controls. This altered the anticollagen IgG2a:IgG1 ratio towards Th2 driven IgG1. Local TNF-R gene therapy in CIA appears to have systemic effects on the anti-CII antibodies. The overall influence of TNF-R gene therapy is that it inhibits the progression of CIA mainly by suppressing the inflammatory Th1 response rather than by stimulating a Th2 response. Therefore, periarticular TNF-R gene therapy may have excellent therapeutic potential in RA.


Crystallization of OmpC osmoporin from Escherichia coli.
OmpC porin, one of the major outer-membrane proteins of Gram-negative bacteria, participates in bacterial osmoregulation by counteracting OmpF porin. Although these two osmoporins from Escherichia coli share high sequence homology, their crystallization behavior was found to be very different. OmpC could be crystallized under a variety of conditions by either microdialysis or hanging-drop methods using PEG 4000 as precipitant. The crystals belong to space group P21 with unit-cell constants a = 117.6, b = 110, c = 298.4 A, beta = 97 degrees. They diffract beyond 4 A with a rotating anode and show intense non-Bragg scattering.


YUCCA2 (YUC2)-Mediated 3-Indoleacetic Acid (IAA) Biosynthesis Regulates Chloroplast RNA Editing by Relieving the Auxin Response Factor 1 (ARF1)-Dependent Inhibition of Editing Factors in Arabidopsis thaliana.
Although recent research progress on the abundant C-to-U RNA editing events in plant chloroplasts and mitochondria has uncovered many recognition factors and their molecular mechanisms, the intrinsic regulation of RNA editing within plants remains largely unknown. This study aimed to establish a regulatory relationship in Arabidopsis between the plant hormone auxin and chloroplast RNA editing. We first analyzed auxin response elements (AuxREs) present within promoters of chloroplast editing factors reported to date. We found that each has more than one AuxRE, suggesting a potential regulatory role of auxin in their expression. Further investigation unveiled that the depletion of auxin synthesis gene YUC2 reduces the expression of several editing factors. However, in yuc2 mutants, only the expression of CRR4, DYW1, ISE2, and ECD1 editing factors and the editing efficiency of their corresponding editing sites, ndhD-2 and rps14-149, were simultaneously suppressed. In addition, exogenous IAA and the overexpression of YUC2 enhanced the expression of these editing factors and the editing efficiency at the ndhD-2 and rps14-149 sites. These results suggested a direct effect of auxin upon the editing of the ndhD-2 and rps14-149 sites through the modulation of the expression of the editing factors. We further demonstrated that ARF1, a downstream transcription factor in the auxin-signaling pathway, could directly bind to and inactivate the promoters of CRR4, DYW1, and ISE2 in a dual-luciferase reporter system, thereby inhibiting their expression. Moreover, the overexpression of ARF1 in Arabidopsis significantly reduced the expression of the three editing factors and the editing efficiency at the ndhD-2 and rps14-149 sites. These data suggest that YUC2-mediated auxin biosynthesis governs the RNA-editing process through the ARF1-dependent signal transduction pathway.


Agreement between force and deceleration measures during backward somersault landings.
This study examined the agreement between force platform and inertial measurement unit (IMU) measures of backward somersault landings. Seven female gymnasts performed three trials, taking off from a 90 cm vaulting box and using competition landing technique. Two force platforms (1000 Hz) covered with a 6.4 cm thick carpeted landing surface measured the ground reaction forces. One inertial measurement unit (500 Hz) fixed on the second thoracic vertebra measured peak resultant deceleration of the gymnast. Measurement agreement between vertical and resultant peak force measures, and resultant peak force and peak deceleration was assessed using mean differences, Pearson's correlation, and Cohen's effect size (ES) statistics. There was perfect measurement agreement between vertical and resultant peak forces (R = 1.0, p < 0.001; ES = 0.005), but only moderate measurement agreement between resultant peak force and peak resultant deceleration (Mean Difference = -2.16%, R = 0.4, p = ns; ES = 0.121). Backward somersault landings can be assessed using either uni-axial or tri-axial force platforms to measure ground impact load/force, as the landing movements are almost purely vertical. However, force measures are not the same as peak resultant decelerations from IMUs which give an indication of impact shock. Landing load/shock measures are potentially important for injury prevention.


Injection therapy for subacute and chronic benign low back pain.
The Medline and Embase databases containing randomized controlled trials of injection therapy published to 1998 were systematically reviewed. To evaluate the effectiveness of injection therapy with anesthetics, steroids, or both in patients with low back pain persisting longer than 1 month. Two reviewers independently assessed the trials for the quality of their methods. The primary outcome measure was pain relief. Subgroup analyses were performed between trials with different control groups (placebo and active injections), with different injection sites (facet-joint, epidural, and local injections), and with timing of outcome measurement (short- and long-term). Within the resulting 12 (2 x 3 x 2) subcategories of studies, the overall relative risks and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were estimated, using the random effects model of DerSimonian and Laird. In the case of trials using active injections as a control, the results were not pooled. This review included 21 randomized trials. All the studies involved patients with low back pain persisting longer than 1 month. Only 11 studies compared injection therapy with placebo injections (explanatory trials). The methodologic quality of many studies was low: Only eight studies had a methodologic score of 50 points or more. There were only three well-designed explanatory clinical trials: one on injections into the facet joints with a short-term relative risk of 0.89 (95% confidence interval = 0.65-1.21) and a long-term relative risk of 0.90 (95% confidence interval = 0.69-1.17), one on epidural injections with a short-term relative risk of of 0.94 (95% confidence interval = 0.76-1.15) and a long-term relative risk of 1.00 (95% confidence interval = 0.71-1.41), and one on local injections with a long-term relative risk of 0.79 (95% confidence interval = 0.65-0.96). Within the six subcategories of explanatory studies, the pooled relative risks were as follows: facet joint, short-term: relative risk = 0.89 (95% confidence interval = 0.65-1.21); facet joint, long-term: relative risk = 0.90 (95% confidence interval = 0.69-1.17); epidural, short-term: relative risk = 0.93 (95% confidence interval = 0.79-1.09); epidural, long-term: relative risk = 0.92 (95% confidence interval = 0.76-1.11); local, short-term: relative risk = 0.80 (95% confidence interval = 0.40-1.59); and local, long-term: relative risk = 0.79 (95% confidence interval = 0.65-0.96). Convincing evidence is lacking regarding the effects of injection therapy on low back pain. Additional well-designed explanatory trials in this field are needed.


Alignment and classification of time series gene expression in clinical studies.
Classification of tissues using static gene-expression data has received considerable attention. Recently, a growing number of expression datasets are measured as a time series. Methods that are specifically designed for this temporal data can both utilize its unique features (temporal evolution of profiles) and address its unique challenges (different response rates of patients in the same class). We present a method that utilizes hidden Markov models (HMMs) for the classification task. We use HMMs with less states than time points leading to an alignment of the different patient response rates. To focus on the differences between the two classes we develop a discriminative HMM classifier. Unlike the traditional generative HMM, discriminative HMM can use examples from both classes when learning the model for a specific class. We have tested our method on both simulated and real time series expression data. As we show, our method improves upon prior methods and can suggest markers for specific disease and response stages that are not found when using traditional classifiers. Matlab implementation is available from http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~thlin/tram/.


A comparative study of ribonuclease hydrolysis of rat brain-cortex and liver membrane-bound ribosomes.
Because it has been proposed that the ribosome-membrane interaction is different in endoplasmic reticulum derived from a non-secretory and secretory cell we undertook a study to determine whether attachment of the ribosome to the membrane involved ribosomal RNA and if the rRNA in ribosomes derived from the two classes of cell possessed an altered susceptibility to RNAase (ribonuclease) hydrolysis. We found that brain ribosomes appeared to possess more regions accessible to nuclease attack, independent of whether a sequence-dependent RNAase (T(1)) or a sterically hindered RNAase bound to Enzite polymer was employed. These results were independent of whether the ribosomes were membrane-bound or detached from the endoplasmic reticulum membranes, but at high RNAase concentration these differences became negligible. No conclusions, however, could be drawn as to whether ribosomal RNA is involved in the attachment of the ribosome to the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, because of the presence of endogeneous membrane-associated RNAases. Analysis of the rRNA fragments by polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis suggests that the sites available for attack by low concentrations of nuclease in bound-ribosomes derived from brain cortex are different from those of liver.


Excitatory transmission in the basolateral amygdala.
1. Intracellular current-clamp recordings obtained from neurons of the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA) were used to characterize postsynaptic potentials elicited through stimulation of the stria terminalis (ST) or the lateral amygdala (LA). The contribution of glutamatergic receptor subtypes to excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) were analyzed by the use of the non N-methyl-D-aspartate (non-NMDA) antagonist, 6-cyano-7-nitro-quinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX), and the NMDA antagonist, (DL)-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (APV). 2. Basic membrane properties of BLA neurons determined from membrane responses to transient current injection showed that at the mean resting membrane potential (RMP; -67.2 mV) the input resistance (RN) and time constant for membrane charging (tau) were near maximal, and that both values were reduced with membrane hyperpolarization, suggesting an intrinsic regulation of synaptic efficacy. 3. Responses to stimulation of the ST or LA consisted of an EPSP followed by either a fast inhibitory postsynaptic potential (f-IPSP) only, or by a fast- and subsequent slow-IPSP (s-IPSP). The EPSP was graded in nature, increasing in amplitude with increased stimulus intensity, and with membrane hyperpolarization after DC current injection. Spontaneous EPSPs were also observed either as discrete events or as EPSP/IPSP waveforms. 4. In physiological Mg2+ concentrations (1.2 mM), at the mean RMP, the EPSP consisted of dual, fast and slow, glutamatergic components. The fast-EPSP (f-EPSP) possessed characteristics of kainate/quisqualate receptor activation, namely, the EPSP increased in amplitude with membrane hyperpolarization, was insensitive to the NMDA receptor antagonist, APV (50 microM), and was blocked by the non-NMDA receptor antagonist, CNQX (10 microM). In contrast, the slow-EPSP (s-EPSP) decreased in amplitude with membrane hyperpolarization, was insensitive to CNQX (10 microM), and was blocked by APV (50 microM), indicating mediation by NMDA receptor activation. 5. In the presence of CNQX (10 microM), ST stimulation evoked an APV-sensitive s-EPSP. In contrast, LA stimulation evoked a f-IPSP, which when blocked by subsequent addition of bicuculline methiodide (BMI; 30 microM) revealed a temporally overlapping APV-sensitive s-EPSP. These data suggest that EPSP amplitude and duration are determined, in part, by the shunting of membrane conductance caused by a concomitant IPSP. 6. Superfusion of either CNQX or APV in BLA neurons caused membrane hyperpolarization and blockade of spontaneous EPSPs and IPSPs, suggesting that these compounds may act to block tonic excitatory amino acid (EAA) release within the nucleus, and that a degree of feed-forward inhibition occurs within the nucleus.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)


Bioimpedance Spectroscopy of the Breast.
Background: Bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) measurements of breast lymphedema poses practical and technical challenges, in particular the determination of the resistance at zero frequency (R0), the index of change in breast lymph content. Conventionally, R0 is calculated from data analysis by using a procedure eponymously known as Cole modeling, a method that is error-prone in the breast. The aim of this study was to evaluate polynomial curve fitting as an alternative analytic procedure. Methods and Results: A sub-set of breast BIS measurements from 41 women with self-ascribed breast lymphedema obtained as part of the Breast Edema Exercise Trial (BEET) were analyzed by both the Cole and polynomial methods. BIS files for all subjects were able to be analyzed by using the polynomial method but only 73% and 88% of data files were analyzed for the affected and unaffected breasts, respectively, by using the Cole method. For those files that were capable of being analyzed by both methods, R0 values were highly correlated (r = 0.99) but with a small (1.6%) although statistically significant difference (paired t test, p < 0.001) between methods. Conclusions: Analysis of BIS data using polynomial curve fitting is an acceptable and robust alternative to Cole modeling, particularly where impedance measurements are susceptible to technical sources of error of measurement. The small magnitude of difference observed between methods is unlikely to lead to misclassification of patients with lymphedema based on BIS assessment.


Serum concentrations of carotenoids and vitamins A, E, and C in control subjects from five European countries.
High intakes of fruits and vegetables, or high circulating levels of their biomarkers (carotenoids, vitamins C and E), have been associated with a relatively low incidence of cardiovascular disease, cataract and cancer. Exposure to a high fruit and vegetable diet increases antioxidant concentrations in blood and body tissues, and potentially protects against oxidative damage to cells and tissues. This paper describes blood concentrations of carotenoids, tocopherols, ascorbic acid and retinol in well-defined groups of healthy, non-smokers, aged 25-45 years, 175 men and 174 women from five European countries (France, UK (Northern Ireland), Republic of Ireland, The Netherlands and Spain). Analysis was centralised and performed within 18 months. Within-gender, vitamin C showed no significant differences between centres. Females in France, Republic of Ireland and Spain had significantly higher plasma vitamin C concentrations than their male counterparts. Serum retinol and alpha-tocopherol levels were similar between centres, but gamma-tocopherol showed a great variability being the lowest in Spain and France, and the highest in The Netherlands. The provitamin A: non-provitamin A carotenoid ratio was similar among countries, whereas the xanthophylls (lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin) to carotenes (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lycopene) ratio was double in southern (Spain) compared to the northern areas (Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland). Serum concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin were highest in France and Spain; beta-cryptoxanthin was highest in Spain and The Netherlands; trans-lycopene tended to be highest in Irish males and lowest in Spanish males; alpha-carotene and beta-carotene were higher in the French volunteers. Due to the study design, the concentrations of carotenoids and vitamins A, C and E represent physiological ranges achievable by dietary means and may be considered as 'reference values' in serum of healthy, non-smoking middle-aged subjects from five European countries. The results suggest that lutein (and zeaxanthin), beta-cryptoxanthin, total xanthophylls and gamma-tocopherol (and alpha- : gamma-tocopherol) may be important markers related to the healthy or protective effects of the Mediterranean-like diet.


Plasmid transformation of Streptomyces tendae after heat attenuation of restriction.
Streptomyces tendae ATCC 31160 produces nikkomycin, a fungicide and insecticide that inhibits chitin synthases. Exposure of S. tendae protoplasts to 50 degrees C for 30 min is required for transformation (10(2) thiostrepton-resistant transformants micrograms of DNA-1) with plasmid pIJ702 or pIJ680 from Streptomyces lividans. pIJ702 and pIJ680 DNA isolated from the S. tendae transformants is efficient (10(6) to 10(7) transformants micrograms of DNA-1) in subsequent transformations of S. tendae protoplasts generated at 30 degrees C. PstI fails to cut the single PstI site in pIJ702 and cuts only one of the two PstI sites in pIJ680 DNA isolated from S. tendae transformants. Digests of plasmid DNA mixtures showed that plasmid DNA from S. tendae does not inhibit PstI activity. pIJ702 and pIJ680 DNA from S. tendae transformants was used to transform S. lividans to show that plasmid DNA remains unchanged, except for modification at some PstI sites in S. tendae, as a consequence of passage through S. tendae. The DNA modification is lost when S. lividans is transformed with plasmid DNA from S. tendae transformants. Since S. tendae modifies only some PstI sites, it appears the modification (presumably restriction activity also) activity in S. tendae recognizes a sequence that includes or overlaps the PstI hexanucleotide recognition sequence.


Bioresorbable Scaffolds versus Metallic Stents in Routine PCI.
Bioresorbable vascular scaffolds were developed to overcome the shortcomings of drug-eluting stents in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We performed an investigator-initiated, randomized trial to compare an everolimus-eluting bioresorbable scaffold with an everolimus-eluting metallic stent in the context of routine clinical practice. We randomly assigned 1845 patients undergoing PCI to receive either a bioresorbable vascular scaffold (924 patients) or a metallic stent (921 patients). The primary end point was target-vessel failure (a composite of cardiac death, target-vessel myocardial infarction, or target-vessel revascularization). The data and safety monitoring board recommended early reporting of the study results because of safety concerns. This report provides descriptive information on end-point events. The median follow-up was 707 days. Target-vessel failure occurred in 105 patients in the scaffold group and in 94 patients in the stent group (2-year cumulative event rates, 11.7% and 10.7%, respectively; hazard ratio, 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.85 to 1.48; P=0.43); event rates were based on Kaplan-Meier estimates in time-to-event analyses. Cardiac death occurred in 18 patients in the scaffold group and in 23 patients in the stent group (2-year cumulative event rates, 2.0% and 2.7%, respectively), target-vessel myocardial infarction occurred in 48 patients in the scaffold group and in 30 patients in the stent group (2-year cumulative event rates, 5.5% and 3.2%), and target-vessel revascularization occurred in 76 patients in the scaffold group and in 65 patients in the stent group (2-year cumulative event rates, 8.7% and 7.5%). Definite or probable device thrombosis occurred in 31 patients in the scaffold group as compared with 8 patients in the stent group (2-year cumulative event rates, 3.5% vs. 0.9%; hazard ratio, 3.87; 95% CI, 1.78 to 8.42; P<0.001). In this preliminary report of a trial involving patients undergoing PCI, there was no significant difference in the rate of target-vessel failure between the patients who received a bioresorbable scaffold and the patients who received a metallic stent. The bioresorbable scaffold was associated with a higher incidence of device thrombosis than the metallic stent through 2 years of follow-up. (Funded by Abbott Vascular; AIDA ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01858077 .).


Effects of dopexamine on the intestinal microvascular blood flow and leukocyte activation in a sepsis model in rats.
The administration of dopexamine may constitute a therapeutical option to improve hepatosplanchnic perfusion in sepsis. In order to verify this hypothesis, we administered dopexamine in an experimental sepsis model in rats. This prospective, randomized, controlled laboratory study was conducted in 42 Wistar rats. The animals were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 (CON group) served as control group. The Animals of groups 2 (LPS Group) and 3 received an endotoxin infusion (20 mg/kgfor 15 min). In addition, in group 3 (DPX group) dopexamine was administered 0.5 microg/kg/minover 4 hours. One half of the animals of each group underwent studies of intestinal microvascular blood flow (IMBF) using laser Doppler fluxmetry. In the other half an intravital microscopic evaluation of the leukocyte endothelium cell interaction in the intestinal microcirculation was performed. Functional capillary denstity (FCD) in the intestinal mucosaand the circular as well as the longitudinal muscle layer was estimated. One hour after endotoxin challenge IMBF decreased significantly in the untreated LPS group to 51% compared to baseline (p<0.05). In DPX treated endotoxin animals we found significantly higher values at the level of CON group. The after endotoxin challenge impaired FCD was improved by dopexamine in the longitudinal (DPX + 33% vs. LPS; p <0.05) and in the circular muscle layer (DPX + 48% vs. LPS; p < 0.05) as a result of dopexamine administration. The administration of dopexamine reduced the count of firmly adherent leukocytes when compared to the untreated LPS group (-31%, p<0.05). TNF-alpha plasma levels were reduced by dopexamine infusion (LPS group 3637 +/- 553 pg/mL; DPXgroup 1933 +/- 201 pg/mL) one hour after endotoxin challenge. The administration of dopexamine improved IMBF and FCD as parameters of intestinal microcirculation and reduced leukocyte activation as a parameter of inflammation in experimental sepsis.